osteopathy

American  

[os-tee-op-uh-thee] / ˌɒs tiˈɒp ə θi /

noun

1. Also called osteopathic medicine.  a medical discipline with an emphasis on the health and drug-free treatment of the musculoskeletal system and on the diagnostic significance of patient lifestyle and environment.

   She’s been studying osteopathy at Campbell University.

2. the system of therapeutic manipulation techniques involved in the practice of this discipline.

   After 20 minutes of osteopathy, I was feeling more optimistic about my rehabilitation.

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osteopathy British  

/ ˌɒstɪˈɒpəθɪ, ˌɒstɪəˈpæθɪk /

noun

1. a system of healing based on the manipulation of bones or other parts of the body

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osteopathy Scientific  

/ ŏs′tē-ŏp′ə-thē /

1. A system of medicine based on the theory that disturbances in the musculoskeletal system can cause disorders in other bodily parts and can be corrected by various manipulative techniques. These are used in conjunction with conventional medical and surgical treatments.

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osteopathy Cultural  

1. A system of medicine that stresses healing through the manipulation of body parts while also using many standard medical practices, such as surgery or drugs.

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Other Word Forms

• osteopathic adjective
• osteopathically adverb

Etymology

Origin of osteopathy

First recorded in 1855–60; osteo- + -pathy

Example Sentences

The latest emails suggest that in 2009 Epstein sent Mr. Avila da Silva £10,000 to pay for an osteopathy training course.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

Emails from 2009 show Epstein sent him £10,000 for an osteopathy course.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

Dinh, a licensed doctor of osteopathy and an ear, nose and throat specialist, is out of custody on $7 million bond, according to prosecutors and court records.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 1, 2023

Ophthalmologists have a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy degree, with four years of medical school, several years of residency and specialized training.

From Washington Post • May 3, 2019

Correction of mechanical defects and injuries by means of massage, chiropractic or osteopathy, surgery and other mechanical methods of treatment.

From Nature Cure by Lindlahr, Henry